FULLERTON : New Year’s Party Is in Jeopardy

The New Year’s Eve party that officials say puts Fullerton on the map may not take place this year--or any other year--if money can’t be found to pay for the event. City Council members this week turned down a request to pay $37,390 for First Night Fullerton out of the city’s general fund. But they promised to try to find a way to get the money from the redevelopment fund.

In addition, Mayor Julie Sa said she would ask businesses to donate money and asked the rest of the council to “go door-to-door” soliciting money for the popular event. Councilwoman Jan M. Flory also challenged the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce to come up with some money.

First Night Fullerton is a celebration that has filled the city’s downtown streets, sidewalks, buildings and parking lots with thousands of people on New Year’s Eve for the past four years.

An elaborate midnight fireworks show and dozens of arts-oriented activities are presented during the event, which promotes a family-oriented atmosphere and a nonalcoholic alternative to traditional New Year’s parties.

No other city in Orange County hosts such a celebration, and officials say it has become Fullerton’s “signature event.”

But council members said they don’t want to take money from the city’s general fund to pay for the festival. The council will decide Oct. 17 whether it is legal to use redevelopment money for First Night.